Do I need a visa to visit Cuba from Australia?

This is a question we hear a lot from customers. There is so much mixed information out there about who needs a visa to enter Cuba, and the majority of the information is aimed at American citizens. As a result of the icy relations between Cuba and the US, it has made the visa process very complicated. However, Australian citizens shouldn’t have any trouble accessing a visa for entry to Cuba.

Most people can travel on a Cuba visa, Australia citizens included. The Cuba tourist visa is available for citizens of the UK, EU, Canada and Australia. It is valid for a single entry and for a stay of up to 30 days. You will need to show proof of onward travel and travel insurance covering medical expenses valid for your entire stay.

The Cuba tourist visa isn’t like most visas. It isn’t stamped in your passport as the Cuban authorities are aware that this can cause problems when travelling to other countries, such as the USA. The Cuba visa for Australians can be obtained from a travel agent, from some airlines and from your nearest Cuban embassy. The address for the Cuban embassy in Australia is:

17 Terrigal Crescent

O´Malley

2606 Canberra

When should I apply for my Cuba visa?

Your Cuba visa will be valid for 180 days from the date of issue. Many people wait until their travel is booked before applying for their tourist card. However, you shouldn’t leave it too late as it can take up to 4 weeks to process. According to the Cuban Consulate, most visa applications take no longer than 7 business days to process. To be safe, we would recommend applying for your visa at least one month in advance to allow for slow postage.

How much does the Cuba visa cost Australian citizens?

The Cuba visa costs $60 AUD if you are applying in person or $110 AUD if you are applying by post to the Cuban Consulate. For an urgent application, you will need to add $50 AUD to the total fee.

Can I travel via the US?

It’s possible, but we would advise against it. Those travelling to Cuba from the US, by plane or cruise, even if it’s just in transit, must apply for their Cuba tourist card in American territory. To do this means you will also be subject to the United States’ immigration regulations on travel to Cuba. We would advise flying through Europe or South America so that you can apply for your Cuba tourist card before you leave. We’ve written this guide to the best way to get to Cuba from Australia.

What customs regulations are there in Cuba?

Customs regulations in Cuba are known for changing frequently. It’s important to check the latest Cuban travel information before you leave. The most important thing to note is that accessing money while in Cuba can be difficult. This is a result of the trade embargo imposed by the USA.

This means that many American-owned credit cards won’t work in Cuba. It’s best to travel with cash, preferably Euros, and change your money at the airport. Be aware that you cannot bring more than $5,000 USD into Cuba, or its equivalent in other currencies. However, even for a 30-day stay, this would be more than enough money.